In brief
A pair of wildfires broke out almost at the same time on Salamina, a Greek island near Athens, killing two people and forcing the evacuation of hundreds of residents. Firefighters deployed over 200 engines and aircraft to keep the blazes from merging into a single, larger fire. While one flame was brought under control by Sunday evening, the other lacked an active front. Authorities say the cause remains unknown and that coast guard and fire crews will keep monitoring the area.
In a devastating turn of events on the Greek island of Salamina, twin fires erupted almost simultaneously, claiming the lives of two locals and forcing the evacuation of roughly 500 residents.
Firefighters poured over 200 engines, aircraft and water tankers into the blaze, fighting to keep the two separate fires from merging into a single, larger inferno. The first blaze ignited in a forested residential area near Peristeria, spreading quickly thanks to high winds. The second flare was spotted in the eastern town of Selinia about twenty minutes later.
While one fire was brought under control by the end of Sunday, the other remained stoked with an open front. The Greek coast guard and a fire department vessel remain on standby in the area to monitor and assist.
Health officials reported that at least ten people suffered burns or smoke inhalation. Five were taken to hospitals on the island.
The cause of the twin fires remains unknown, and authorities are urging the public to stay vigilant as storms appear to be bringing stronger winds to the region.
